I am impatient to have everything in train.—"
"Yours sincerely,"
"GILBERT DALRYMPLE."
Harvey read the letter twice, and gave it back without comment.
"I telegraphed, as you know, to say that I would come," observed Mr. Selwyn. "The answering telegram from Miss Rivers, probably sent by yourself in her name, acquainted me with what had unhappily occurred."
"No; I heard nothing of any telegram," Harvey said, in a tone of surprise.
"Then Miss Rivers acted independently. She is quite capable of standing alone. A clever girl, with remarkable self-command."
"The sum named in that note would have been a heavy drag on the estate," Harvey said gravely, as if to quash any hopes for Hermione which the other might entertain.
"Possibly; but it was the amount which lay at Mr. Dalrymple's own disposal—which it may be he has always destined for Miss Rivers— unless—"
Mr. Selwyn left his sentence unfinished, and Harvey made no inquiries.